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France EU long-term resident card: requirements and costs
A guide to getting a long-term resident card in France for non-European citizens.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 20 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F17359
Who can apply
You must be a non-European citizen to get this card. You must have lived legally and continuously in France for at least five years, or hold a European Blue Card. You must have stayed in France for at least five years with one or more eligible residence permits.[1][2][3][4]
You must show that you have integrated into French society.[5]
What you need to show
You must have stable, regular, and sufficient money to support yourself. Your monthly gross income must be at least the French minimum wage, which is 1,867.02 euros. You must also have health insurance.[6][7][8]
Documents you must provide
You need to provide a full copy of your birth certificate with the most recent updates. You must also provide three passport photos and proof of your address that is less than six months old.[9][10][11]
You must show proof that you know the French language at a B1 level. You must also provide a signed commitment to respect the principles of the French Republic and a certificate showing you passed the civic exam for the resident card. If you are married and come from a country that allows polygamy, you must provide a sworn statement that you are not polygamous in France.[12][13][14][15]
Costs and money
A first card costs 350 euros in tax stamps. If you already have a valid residence permit, the cost is 250 euros. If you apply late without a valid reason or a valid visa, you must pay an extra fee of 180 euros.[16][17][18]
Timing
If you renew your card at the prefecture, you must apply within two months before your current card expires. If you renew online on the ANEF website, you must apply between four and two months before your card expires.[19][20]
Checklist
- Proof of French language skills at level B1[12]
- A full copy of your birth certificate with recent updates[9]
- Three passport photos[10]
- Proof of address from the last six months[11]
- A signed commitment to respect the principles of the Republic[13]
- A certificate of success in the civic exam[14]
- Proof of health insurance[8]
Questions people ask
Who can apply for the EU long-term resident card in France?
You must be a non-European citizen. You must have lived legally and continuously in France for at least five years, or hold a European Blue Card.[1][2][3]
How much money do I need to earn to qualify?
Your monthly gross income must be at least 1,867.02 euros, which is the French minimum wage.[7]
What French language level do I need?
You must prove that you know French at a B1 level.[12]
How much does the resident card cost?
A first card costs 350 euros in tax stamps. If you already have a valid residence permit, it costs 250 euros.[16][17]
What happens if I apply late for my card?
If you apply late without a valid reason or a valid visa, you must pay a fee of 180 euros.[18]
When should I apply to renew my card?
If you apply at the prefecture, you must submit your application within two months before your card expires. If you apply online on the ANEF website, you must submit it between four and two months before expiration.[19][20]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.